Guest Picks: Decor That Makes a Difference
Proceeds from this Urban Chic recycled metal lantern, which is handmade in India following fair-trade agreements, help provide much-needed food for shelter animals.
This talented Etsy seller will turn your favorite photos into a 3D portrait made of 100 percent wool fibers in vibrant colors. The proceeds benefit Compassion International, a worldwide child sponsorship program.
I can't help but be smitten with these adorable faces! The proceeds from this whimsical print will go to either dog rescues or canine cancer research.
These fun yet functional Glass Knot paperweights are handcrafted by artisans in developing countries, providing support to not just the families, but entire communities as well.
Inspired by items within their famous collections, the Smithsonian Institution’s giraffe print ottoman doubles as handy storage (with anti-slam hinges to keep little fingers safe), and all proceeds support its programs and exhibits.
These sleek, pretty candleholders from Glassybaby come in a huge variety of gorgeous colors. But what’s more, a portion of the proceeds from each sale go to a different charity — from Gilda’s Club to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to the United States Humane Society, and many more — depending on which color you buy.
Over half of the proceeds from this bold giclée print are allocated to The Trevor Project, an organization that helps prevent suicide among LGBT youth.
Everything you purchase from Uncommon Goods, including this unique (and completely awesome) Egg Rugg, is supplied by an environmentally friendly, socially responsible, sustainable source. Plus, $1 from each purchase you make can go to the charity of your choice!
Proceeds from this handwoven pillow allow the skilled Peruvian female artisans who make them to earn a sustainable income and support their families.
This bike chain picture frame from Giftback is a double whammy. First, it was handmade in India from real recycled bike chains in an artisan workshop that provides its employees with fair wages and safe conditions. And second, 10 percent of the profits go to the cause of your choice, anything from AIDS research to the YMCA.
This fascinating piece is a clock. The artist has lots of amazing offerings, and by buying this one, you save 150 acres of rainforest. An astonishing 100 percent of the profits are donated to the Rainforest Trust.
There are so many awesome things about this Hugger pillow; I don’t even know where to start. Crafted in honor of those living with autism, they’re adorable and can be personalized with a monogram or a specific color (there’s even a robot variety) — but it doesn’t stop there. The seller can also customize it for children dealing with sensory issues by making it in various fabrics: softer, firmer, etc. And finally, 30 percent of the proceeds go to Autism Speaks. What’s not to love?
It’s a chalkboard! It’s a robot! It’s super cute! And 100 percent of the profits go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This one’s a no-brainer.
I love everything about this decorative bowl handcrafted of telephone wire — yes, all of its breathtaking colors and wild swirls are telephone wire. (The seller offers a huge variety in many different sizes and colors.) Each one is made by Zulu women, and the money they make helps support their families. Plus, 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to support the Lunga Foundation Orphanage.
This gorgeous quilted wall hanging is a beautiful contrast of bright and dark. A full 100 percent of the seller’s profits are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which helps support suicide-prevention programs and research and provide aid to survivors of suicide loss.
This magnetic perpetual calendar is an awesome way to keep track of the days (especially for kids) without having to go through tons of paper calendars. And because it’s from the UNICEF shop, the proceeds go towards their worldwide humanitarian missions. This purchase specifically will help provide life-saving tetanus vaccines to mothers and babies in developing countries.
This is so cool. It consists of seven small hexagonal-shaped jars with hand-stamped magnetic lids in your choice of black, silver or gold. Each jar contains an exotic salt, from places such as Peru, Nepal and Hawaii. Furthermore, $25 of each purchase price helps to finance a micro-loan to a low-income entrepreneur through the non-profit organization KIVA: Loans that Change Lives.
Sold through Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade retailer, this fun Grazing Giraffe stool is handmade in Kenya and helps improve the livelihood of disadvantaged artisans.
This wireless speaker made by Jawbone is so aesthetically pleasing that you’ll want to display it. Even better? A portion of the proceeds go to charity: water to bring clean, safe drinking water to people in need.Next: 20 Innovative Dollhouses for a Good Cause
From Pyar & Co.’s Lil’ Pyar line comes this cute skyscraper pillow, inspired by a poem written by a fourth grader. For every pillow purchased, $10 is donated to Adopt A Classroom, which helps to increase teachers’ access to the supplies and materials they need for their classrooms.
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